Our Angel Morgan

Wednesday, June 6, 2012  1:25 AM

As many of you may have already heard, Our Miracle Morgan went to rest today.  It was sudden.  There is little left to say about the afternoon, other than she went quickly and peacefully.  As I held our wonderful cherub, she just seemed, finally, at peace.  As I have little to no energy left in me, I will call it a night.  I have plenty left to say in regard to this experience.  I will provide an update, in time.

Seth & Elizabeth McCoin

Attention Hog

Sunday, June 3, 2012 2:30pm

Morgan has had an up and down weekend. On Friday, she was put back on C-PAP because she began to labor to breathe and she couldn't keep her levels up. She responded well to C-PAP and her lungs were able to rest and recover.

Saturday was spent resting. They were able to wean her C-PAP settings and Morgan tolerated it well.

Today, the doctor put Morgan back on the high flow nasal cannula! Good news! As I write this, I am sitting in her room. She has tolerated the switch very well. She is currently watching her Praise Baby DVD and fighting sleep. She has a plastic ring in each hand and a pacifier in her mouth. Morgan seems to be very content and happy. We are going to take a nap together in a little bit!

One nurse has declared Morgan an attention hog. She wants everyone to visit her and interact with her. She does not like it when the nurses have to go take care of other babies. Morgan will find a way to get them to run to her side! She is so spoiled.

Please continue to keep Morgan in your prayers. We asked for continued for her little body and her lungs. We pray for her body systems to learn to work as medicines are weaned. We pray for overall healing.

Our little attention hog is going to have to learn to share the spot light. She has been asked to be the flower girl in Aunt Augusta's wedding! She is so excited!!

Love, Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

A String of Mostly Good Days

Thursday, May 31, 2012 10:00pm
Our little one has continued on the same path for several days now. Morgan is still on the nasal cannula and seems to be very happy! She is recovering and gaining her energy back. She has been doing more activities, as she will tolerate it. Or, as she wants. For someone who does not have a voice yet, she sure knows how to get what she wants!

Morgan has had a few more tantrum episodes. In truth, it is more of a bronchial spasm. The doctors seem to think could be side effect of a medication. As a result, they have changed to a different medicine. We are hopeful that the spams will end with such a simple change.

We have good news to report about Morgan's glucose levels. Over the past few weeks, they have slowly weaned Morgan's steroids. The steroids are weaned weekly and she has few more weeks to go before she is off of them completely. However, we have been able to see positive results of the wean in her glucose levels. As we mentioned earlier, the steroids were causing her sugars to be out of balance. Each time a steroid wean happens, Morgan body has required less and less insulin. As a result, today, the insulin pump has been turned off! Yay! Praise the Good Lord! The nurses will continue to check her glucose levels to make sure she is able to maintain it in the appropriate range. If needed, they will give her an insulin shot to help her get her sugars back into the normal range.

It has been good to hold and love on her again! The team at the hospital wants us to hold her, love on her, and interact with her as much as possible. It is extremely good for her development, healing and growth. Naturally, it is so healing for our hearts and souls, as well!

Please continue to keep Morgan and her caregivers in your prayers! Thank you for all your love and support! 
We are able to press forward each day holding unto hope and trusting in the Good Lord. That is what sustains us. That is how we can get up each day. That is how we can smile and find joy, despite the long, exhausting road we are travelling. Thank you for the words of encouragement and prayers that you give our family!

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Temper Tantrum and Swim Practice

Tuesday, May 29, 2012  10:00pm

Today, Morgan continues to be on the nasal cannula.  When she is calm, she is a very happy and content little girl.  She plays, sits up in her bumbo seat, and watches her movies.  She is very active.  Our prayer is for calmness and rest.  When she is relaxed her little lungs can heal and grow. 

That said, we pray against any temper tantrums!  She had one today that lasted for two hours.  When she gets upset, she labors to breathe and it often takes a while to recover.  Imagine yourself when you come up for air after being under water too long.  That is what it is like for Morgan when she labors to get a deep breath. 

Our future gold medalist is already practicing her breast stroke kicks! Up, out, kick, up, out, kick!  When she was upset today, her little legs were practicing her moves. 

We thank you for your continued prayers for her lungs and healing! She is such a cutie pie and a pistol! We love her so much and just want her to get better rapidly!

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Short & Sweet

Monday, May 28, 2012  10:50 PM

Precious Morgan has strung together a few great days in a row.  She moved off of the CPAP and back onto the nasal cannula yesterday.  To be honest, it's nice to see her sweet face again, with minimal obstruction.  She is doing very well and we are so excited that she is moving in the right direction.  She seems comfortable, attentive and cute as ever. 

There is not much to report, so this update is very brief.  I like these kinds of updates...

Thank you all for your prayers.

Seth & Elizabeth McCoin

Sleep, What is Sleep?

Thursday, May 24, 2012  10:00pm
Miss Morgan has behaved for the last two days, mostly.  She continues to be on the C-PAP and tolerating it well.  The settings are very low, in fact, low enough to take her off of it. However, the doctor wants to take it slow and give her a day or so more of rest.  We are thankful for his caution and know that is probably best. 

We all know that Morgan is not a text book case and doing everything the way she wants!  She often plays opposite day.  Morgan keeps her doctor and nurses on their toes!  Start praying for us and her teenage years, now.....

Morgan has not slept in 36 hours or so.  She has cat-napped, but she has not gotten into a deep, restful sleep.  For the most part, she is content.  This afternoon she was a little more fussy, but who wouldn't be after no sleep?  We are hoping for a restful and peaceful night full of much sleep.  She needs to quit fighting it and really sleep. 

Despite being tired, she has not lost her spunk.  She proceeded to pull out her feeding tube today with her hand.  Then, she worked it out a second time with her tongue.  Of course, that meant two additional outfit changes today.  As her nurse said, that is Morgan and if she was not acting this way, then she would be worried!  That little girl!

As she has adjusted this week to the C-PAP, the team continues to monitor her closely and adjust her medicines as necessary.  We ask for prayer for her little body.  We pray that it continues to learn to function properly as medicines are weaned.  We pray for her lungs and all other organs.  We pray for overall healing.  We pray against inflammations and infections! 

While she is on the C-PAP we cannot hold her.  Since Mother's Day, neither of us has gotten our snuggle time with her.  We are itching for her to get back to the nasal cannula so we can hold her in our arms.  We look forward to rocking her, taking her for walks and giving her a bath. 

We thank you for your many prayers for our little girl!  It is humbling how many people care our family, who genuinely love us.  Thank you for all your love and support.

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Another Restful Day

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 10:15pm

Our little miracle is having another good day.  Similar to yesterday, Morgan has been very quiet.  She has rested, slept, and watched her mobile.  She also got out of the bed today to swing.  She is very content.  So content, in fact, that she does not even want her pacifier.  That is big! 

Like yesterday, the team is purposely trying to keep her quiet and allow her little body to adjust to the C-PAP.  They have not weaned the C-PAP settings for the same reason.  Baby steps.  Baby steps are fine with us.  We do not want her to go backwards ever again!  Forward, Morgan, forward only. 

Our prayers for Morgan's glucose issues are being answered.  The past 24 hours they have remained more stable than they have in weeks.  Yay! 

Morgan has begun to receive her milk again.  So far, her little tummy and  body has tolerated it well.  Another prayer answered!  The doctor started her on a small amount and they will continue to increase it over the next day or so until she gets back to the appropriate amount. 

Honestly, that is all there is to report. As we  have mentioned, it is so hard to see her so sick and not be able to "fix" her or trade places with her.  Please keep praying for our little one's healing, her lungs, her glucose and other fluids levels to stabilize, her over all development and, of course, her doctors and nurses.  Her doctor came in her room today, looked at Morgan, and commented to the nurse wondering what exactly caused the turn around.  Her nurse answered, "Prayer"!  Amen! Thank you for all the prayers for Morgan and her parents!  We appreciate you!

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Improvement After a Long Weekend

Monday, May 21, 2012 4:15pm

After a roller coaster weekend, I am pleased to report Morgan is having a better day. Morgan has been a very brave, fierce and strong little girl. This morning, the doctor was able to move Morgan to the C-PAP, taking her off the ventilator. Praise the Lord! Our prayers worked! We appreciate all the prayers and words of encouragement.

We feel like we can exhale, a little. A teeny tiny bit. Morgan is still fragile and has to continue to improve, but we are so so thankful she is off the ventilator. We are hopeful and prayerful she will continue to progress and her little pint-sized body can fully recover.

At this time, we do not know fully what has caused this set back. The team has some speculations, but the cultures are not back. She is being treated and it seems to be working.

Morgan continues to have glucose issues. Please pray for these to stabilize and for her body to make the necessary sugars so they do not have to use insulin anymore. In addition to her glucose, and because she is on a fluid diet, several of Morgan's other body fluid levels are out of sync. Please pray for her little body to get these under control, too. This should resolve itself when they resume her feedings, but we do not know when that will be.

We, also, do not know how long she will be on the C-PAP. For us, it is most important for her to fully adjust to being off the ventilator before trying the nasal cannula again. We would like to give her lungs a chance to recover, therefore having the best chance to breathe with the cannula. We do not want to rush it just because we do not like the C-PAP. We are trying to be patient.

Morgan has had a pretty quiet day, thus far. She has adjusted to the C-PAP well. She has been resting and watching her DVD’s in bed.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the prayers and support this weekend. We knew we could call on the Prayer Warriors to join us in lifting her up. We know the Lord hears our prayers. We know the power of the Lord's healing is at work in her little body. Please continue to pray for Morgan's recovery and strength in the lungs. We pray for relaxation, calmness and no agitation. Pray for full healing.

While at this time we do not know when she will come home, we pray with the expectancy, faith and trust that she will one day be able to get in our car, meet Wagg and spend the night in her own crib. We so look forward to that day!

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Continue to Pray

Saturday, May 19, 2012 2:45pm Please continue to pray for Miss Morgan. Yesterday, she seemed to be improving on the ventilator and headed in the right direction. Early this morning, she decided to act up again. Without going into lots of boring details, Morgan had a rough morning. We thank the Lord she pulled through and has begun to settle down. She is still very critical, but we are praying and hoping she has made a turn around. The team has suspicions of what might be bothering her, but they are waiting for the cultures to confirm. Regardless, they have begun medicines to help her. Please continue to pray for healing. Pray for strength for her little body. Pray she will no more 3am hiccups! :). It is very scary to see and hear her be so sick. We are confident in the Good Lord and continue to pray and know He is in control. Please join us in continuing to lift up Morgan in prayer! Love, Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Please Pray

Friday, May 18, 2012 7:00am We write to ask for your prayers for our Morgan. Early this morning, Morgan went back on the ventilator. She was getting very air hungry and her CO2 levels were climbing. The C-PAP wasn't able to provide the relief she needed. at this time we do not have a plan, as her primary team of doctors will be arriving soon. Please pray for Morgan and her lung healing. Despite all the breathing drama, our little Houdini managed ton find a way to get het index finger out of the wrap that is holding her iv in place. She hasn't lost her spunk! Thanks for your prayers, Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Time Out Chair

Thursday, May 17, 2012  2:30pm

Mischievous Morgan needs a Time-Out Chair!  Is she too young for spankings?  My my, that little one!  If she weren't so stinkin' cute....

Morgan continues to be on the C-PAP.   Just when you think she is resting and recovering and about to come off the C-PAP she pulls one of her stunts.  Morgan has found various ways to pull her tricks.  She will pull the C-PAP off her face.  She will fuss and hold her breath.  She pull out her iv.  She will pull out her feeding tube.  She pitches a royal fit.  She is just being a bad little girl!  She needs a spanking!

Overall, despite being on the C-PAP the doctor is very pleased with her.  Obviously we would all prefer to be off the C-PAP.  She is currently on very low settings and tolerating it well.  They did turn the nitric oxide back on.  During one of her stunts last night, she indicated she might need it.    While we realize that at any given moment Morgan's condition could worsen, the doctor has encouraged us by saying that this just part of her lung condition.  This is one of the flare up moments discussed in the previous post.  During these flare ups, the team does everything possible to try to support Morgan as she weathers through it.

While she has been a little trouble maker, she has found very sweet ways to let us know she loves us.    I had my hand on her chest lightly tapping her while I was talking to her.  Suddenly, Morgan brought both her hands together on the back of mine as if to hug my hand.  She held her hands together for several moments and loved on me.  I could have lived in that moment forever!

We continue to pray for the healing of her lungs and the return to the nasal cannula.  We pray for a quick recovery.  We pray against any infection or other issues.  We pray for rest and quietness.  We pray against the devil filling our minds with doubt.  We pray for complete healing of her little body.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support! 

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Another C-PAP Day

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 11:30pm


Morgan continues to be on the C-PAP. She will likely continue to have this assistance through tomorrow. If her little body rests and tolerates everything she will get to come of it then. If not, she will earn herself more time on the C-PAP. Her doctor spoke with several other specialists about her care and believes they are on a proper course for her.   Please continue to pray for her lung healing and growth.

This may help describe Morgan's condition. The doctor made the analogy of a person with arthritis. This person can go days and weeks feeling normal and having no pain or flare ups. Then, unexpectedly, their arthritis flares up, causing pain and setbacks from their normal routine. In Morgan's case, the arthritis is her lung condition. Most days she will plug along normally, however, there will be those days when it flares up, causing issues. It will calm down, but we have to help her weather the storm. 
Today has been very emotional.  It is so very hard to see Morgan in what appears to be a cyclical pattern.  I wish there was some magic drug or treatment to help her over this hump.  In my mind, I can accept that she needs time to heal and that these hiccups are just apart of her lung condition.  However, it is just plain hard.  Honestly, sometimes it feels like an out of body experience.  I can go through the motions, but sometimes do not even realize what I  have said or done.  There is little rest or down time.  Both us of work full time and also find time after work to spend at the hospital with Morgan.  Often our day does not stop until our head hits the pillow around 11pm.  My mind is tired, my body is worn and emotions are everywhere.  It is taxing. We are exhausted. 

We are ready for Morgan to be in our home with us!  We are ready to love her all day and help her progress.  We are ready to say "Adios" to the hospital, with, of course, the condition that our friends come to visit us on Montevallo Road. We are ready for our new routine and normal. 

I fully believe our Lord has Morgan in His healing care. I fully believe He is giving us the strength to continue to put one foot in front of the other.  I know He has not given us more than we can handle.  I believe. 

Today, we have several very good conversations with Morgan's doctors.  We are grateful for physicaians who are willing to spend time with us.  Who seek us out to check on us.  Who patiently answer our million questions.  Who encourage us.  Who listen our concerns and fears.  Who love our daughter.  Who go to great lengths to seek the best treatments for our Morgan. Who genuniely care.  We could not be more thankful! 

We also have wonderful nurses who love Morgan as if she were their daughter.  They give her unconditional love. They give her superb care.  They play with her.  They research and try to help find helaing treatments Morgan.  They answer our questions.   They are investing in our lives.  They have become dear friends. They are amazing!  We could not be more thankful for each one of them. 

We thank you each one of you, our family and friends, for the love you have extended to us.  We are thankful for your prayers and constant support.

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Little Miss Diva

Monday, May 14, 2012  10:15pm

Little Morgan continues to be her diva self!  Surprise, Surprise!

Last Friday she stayed on the C-PAP as a preventative measure because she had high temperatures.  A side effect of her lung condition, BPD, is fevers.  While the team is convinced that was all it was, they left her on the C-PAP to prevent her stressing her lungs out. 

Early Saturday morning, Miss Morgan was back on the high flow nasal cannula!  She was a relaxed and happy girl all day long.  She swung, played a little and watched her dvds.  She took a long afternoon nap in my arms and rested.

Morgan spent much of Sunday similar to Saturday.  She was content.  We did a few exercised on the beach ball and she fell asleep while being rolled around.  However, at various times of the day she was having trouble keeping her oxygen saturations in the appropriate level.  With a little encouragement she was able to get her saturations back to normal and continue on. 

The first thing I do when I get up each morning is call and check on Morgan.  This morning presented good and bad news.  The good news is her temperatures and glucose levels were fine all night long.  The bad news was she was on back on C-PAP.  Early this morning, around 6:00am, Morgan began to work harder to breathe and therefore her saturations would not stay up.    The doctor decided it would be best to put on the C-PAP and assist her.

It is likely Morgan will be on the C-PAP through tomorrow to let her lungs rest and her body relax.  While she hates the headgear and the stuff on her nose.  However, she was so calm at in the afternoon that one therapist asked if she was sedated… nope, she was resting, for the moment!

Tonight, Morgan was feisty and back up to her old antics.  The C-PAP equipment began to bother her. She worked herself up into a tizzy and her breathing became labored.  She was not happy.  With some encouragement and help, Morgan was able to settle down and let the machine work.  We hope she will settle and rest all night long.

Please join us in praying for Morgan.  We are praying for rest and sound sleep. We are praying for good, deep breaths.  We are praying for healing of her lungs.  We are praying that she will become stronger.  We pray for the Breath of Life to be breathed into her little body and heal her.  We know our God hears our prayers and is healing Morgan. 

Seth and I hate seeing Morgan like this.  We hate to see her little body fighting so hard and courageously.  To be honest, we are fearful of her getting worse or being put back on the ventilator, so we pray against it.  The emotional roller coaster is very hard.    I ask for selfish prayers for us both, too.

Thank you for all of your support!

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Lights, Camera, Action!

Thursday, May 10, 2012  10:45pm

Today, we have good news, bad news and, hopefully, more good news.  So, first, the good news...(drum roll)...WE HAVE A MOVIE STAR!  Okay, okay, she was featured for 3 seconds, but it's her first role and she nailed it!  Her role was "Super Cute Baby #1," which plays a stunningly cute baby in a swing...she was perfect.  (Mr. Spielberg, please read through the rest of these updates to find Morgan's email address and feel free to contact her, directly...or me, her agent.)

UAB Medicine put together a short movie to tell a quick story about how wonderful the nurses are and the hearts the job requires to work in the NICU, day in and day out.  We encourage all of you to follow this link, not only to see our little movie star, but to look inside and see how amazing these people are as they live their life of service.  Follow the link here (pay attention at the 2:28 mark!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k40zCcC8_EE

Now, as one of Morgan's nurses put it, "The YouTube stardom must have gone to her head with all the diva drama today."  Morgan found herself back on the C-PAP around lunchtime.  Her oxygen dependency increased, she was tight in her chest and lungs and she was noticeably putting forth great effort to take each breath.  The decision was to place Morgan back on the C-PAP for precautionary purposes.  The machine is on very low settings and only there "just in case" we need to kick it up a notch.  She is resting well on the C-PAP and not fighting the machine's much needed aid.  It looks like she just needed a break.  The good news is that we are hopeful that she will be off of the C-PAP tomorrow morning and maybe before all of you have read this update.

Thanks to all of your for your prayers and thank you to all of the wonderful nurses in NICU's everywhere...especially UAB and St. Vincent's, where you are so dear to our hearts.

Seth and Elizabeth McCoin

Sportin' The Camo

Wednesday, May 9, 2012  9:00pm

Today, Morgan has been very fussy!  Despite having a restful and quiet night, Morgan was moody today.  At times she would rest well and at other times, she would pitch a fit. Sometimes the fit would last for an hour or more.  We hope these fits become less common.  During these fits, she requires more oxygen to recover because she is crying and taking short breaths.  We are prayerful for the healing of her lungs and then these fits will be thing of the past. 

Her cough is still bothering her. Not only does it sound deep from her stomach, but also from her upper respiratory areas, as well.  Crazy I know.  I am not sure there is much the doctor can do for it at this time.  Please pray with us that it will go away and quit bothering her. 

Other than the fussiness, which causes shortness of breath, Morgan has nothing else to report tonight.  I hope she finds great rest tonight and will have a better day tomorrow.

Our little princess, is turning into a tom boy, already!  She is preparing herself for her days in the great outdoors and time hunting in the woods.  One her wrist, she is sporting pink camo wrap that is covering her iv.  And have no doubt, she knows she is very cool in it.  She swings it around to show it off to everyone!  Plus, she has convinced her nurses to save the roll and use it again next time!  That little girl!

Thank you for all your love and support!  We appreciate the prayers for Miss Morgan and her care givers! 

Love to you all,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Happy Nurses Week

Tuesday, May 8, 2012  10:00pm

Morgan would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of her nurses! She says Happy Nurses Week!  She wants them to realize her appreciation for all they do for her. She absolutely loves them! Seth and I are thankful to have such a wonderful care team of nurses who truly adore our daughter and care for all three of us! They have certainly made this journey bearable! We love them all dearly and consider them family! Thank you, from the bottom of all three of our hearts, friends! Thank you!

I am happy to report that there is not much to report on Morgan today.  She held her course and did not have any cause for concern.  The doctor has told us that he likes for her to have days like today.   He has explained to Seth and me that  days like these are good.  Ultimately, she is healing and improving. The changes are subtle and not as obvious as they once were. 

Recently, Morgan has gotten a deep cough.  The doctor seems to think it is coming from her stomach.  Nonetheless, it aggravates her, sometimes even causing short breaths.  At this time, there is not really a treatment for it.  Please pray this will go away. 

Her glucose continues to fluctuate, albeit, not as much as it has in the past.  We hope that this is due to the wean of her steroids.  Seth and I would like her off the steroids asap.  We realize we are not doctors and Morgan's doctor is weaning at the appropriate pace.  Please pray for her body as it weans from the medicines and learns to function without them. 

Oxygen wise, Morgan has been on the same liter flow for weeks now.  There is an occasional increase if she is upset, but then the nurse is able to bring it back down.  The doctor is holding her on this particular liter flow in order to wean and decrease other medicines. 

We are humbled daily by our friends and family who constantly support Seth and me.  Thank you for your love, friendship and support.  We realize there are even blog followers and friends who do not know us but have prayed and loved for our family.  Thank you for your continued prayers for our daughter's healing and her parents.  This road is long but we find rest that our Lord is in control and healing our daughter!

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

If Sleeping Were An Olympic Sport...

Monday, May 7, 2012  10:00 PM
Morgan is really settling in and acting like she wants to make strides toward coming home.  She is doing so well, with only small fluctuations in her oxygen dependency, but these are only due to her general fussiness of not being able to get what she wants, nor having the ability to tell us to make it happen!  Who isn't like that, right?  While she still has barriers to overcome, our little chunkmeister is staying the course and enduring her battle.  Her overall report from the doctor today was that he is pleased with her progress.  We look forward to continuing to receive reports of this nature.

Today, her essential steroids were weened.  Her current level puts her approximately three weeks away from being steroid-free.  Of course, this timeline is following the expectations of "normal" results, but we are dealing with an extraordinary child in terms of medical standing and overall cuteness.  One of my friends' mother's told them that, "normal is only a setting on the washing machine."  I can't help but to look in Precious Morgan's eyes and chuckle while remembering that tidbit of wisdom.  While we certainly hope that this happens expeditiously, we have been humbled enough to temper our enthusiasm and simply pray that she responds well to the weening. 

In relation to Morgan's steroids, Newton's laws of motion ring true, stating that "to every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction."  As we have mentioned, Morgan's glucose levels have been bouncing like the rubber balls that we used to get at the dentists' office.  This is the direct result of her dependency on steroids.  As she receives her steroid treatments, her glucose shoots to the sky, while skydiving as she settles down.  Therefore, this relationship will certainly be improved with her lessened requirement for steroids.  Obviously, this is more motivation to push Morgan's body to live without them. 

One indicator that things are going in the right direction is that Morgan has become a World Champion Snoozer.  She has proven that she can sleep in any circumstance.  The hope is that her steadfast ability to sleep is a sign that she is healing and growing.  I promise, if we could lobby to get "Sleeping" included as an Olympic sport, the US has found its gold medal from the games in London later this year.  I will add that she looks absolutely darling as she sleeps and doesn't mind if you kiss her forehead, chubby cheeks or her little button nose while she slumbers.

Finally, our little butterball got a bath tonight.  Of course, the decision to bathe her came while she was sleeping, so the surprise of the her touche hitting the water woke her up to a serenade of "Rubber Ducky." (of course made famous by Ernie from Sesame Street.)  With rubber ducks, inter tubes and other bath toys floating around, we got into every crevice and under every roll to make her squeaky clean.  We dried her off, placed her back in her crib, turned on her DVD and Snooze-A-Palooza '12 picked up right where it left off. 

Of course, I cannot post without expressing our gratitude and appreciation for all of those that take care our sweet girl and for all of you for loving her and praying so diligently. 

Seth and Elizabeth McCoin

Growing and Progressing

Thursday, May 03, 2012 10:00pm

Little Miss Morgan has been behaving today!  Honestly, there is no news to report.  She continues to hold her course medically and enjoys playing when awake.  She loves to watch her mobile and dvds.  Morgan also listens to lots of music throughout her day.  She continues to love to swing, too! 

Morgan is growing and progressing.  Morgan weighs 10 pounds 10 ounces.  She has gotten big enough that propping her on the boppy causes her head to fall back.  During tummy time, she is scooching around and pushing up.  She will sometimes turn towards one side when she lying on her back.  I am excited to see her make these movements and look forward to her developing and growing even more. 

Please continue to keep Morgan in your prayers.  Pray for her lungs, her development, her healing and her overall health.  Please pray for those charged with Morgan’s care.  Each one of them has become family. 

Thank you for all your love and support!

Love,

Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Wrong Side of the Bed

Wednesday, May 02, 2012  9:15pm

Our little princess woke up on the wrong side of the bed! After a good night’s rest, Morgan woke up early and woke up fussy!  She was so upset that she worked up herself up into a sweat.  Maybe she just wanted to be naked, because that is what she earned when she got hot and sweaty! 

Due to her fussiness, Morgan strained her lungs and took shorter breaths.  This of course, made her more and more cranky!  The respiratory therapist gave her a breathing treatment.  What she needed next was rest.  But, Her Feisty Highness said she was not going to take nap and fussed all morning long.  Later in the afternoon Morgan was able to finally calm down and go to sleep.  Thanks to her nap, she was able to get good breaths and relax!  Since then, she has been calm and happy.

As Seth mentioned, Morgan’s is still battling glucose issues, although, it seems to be improving.  The weaning of the steroids is very slow, so it is likely that this will still be checked for several more days.  The team adjusts her insulin as needed based on her blood glucose levels.

For the most part, Morgan seems to be moving in the right direction, post her pneumonia and setback.  We are prayerful that this will continue.  We need to avoid any viruses or infections that would cause another setback.  Several times we have felt close to bringing her home and have had a hiccup.  Seth and I cannot wait to shout from the mountain tops that she is coming home, but we are trying to be patient, although we are not very good at it.  We know the Good Lord is healing our little girl and working miracles in her body.  She has defied so many odds that there is no doubt the Lord is at work! 

We are humbled by your continued prayers for Morgan and us.  Thank you for continuing to support and encourage all of us. 

I was asked to post Morgan’s email address again.  Please feel free to send her a note.  We read them to her and we will also have them for her when she gets older.

 morgan.mccoin@yahoo.com

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Just Rollin' Along

Tuesday, May 1, 2012  9:45 am

Morgan continues to progress.  Her glucose levels are coming down.  We are confident that this is a direct result of weaning her steroids.  This will continue to be monitored until it is fully under control.

Along with her steroids, her nitric oxide was weaned yesterday.  This is another crucial part of her journey home and it seems to be going well. 

Other than that, there are no real changes in Morgan's medical status.  She continues to be closely monitored for infections, but all seems well.  The weekend was quiet and as parents, we like that.

All that said, Little Morgan continues to grow cuter with each day.  She has wonderful people around her praying for her, cheering for her and assisting her on her journey.  We are so thankful for all of them and all of you. 

Seth and Elizabeth McCoin

Good Girl

Thursday, April 26, 2012  10:00pm
Morgan has been a very good girl! The last two days Morgan has held her course. She has tolerated the weaning from the nitric oxide and her other medicines extremely well.   She continues to battle her glucose, but we are confident it is directly related to her medicines.  We are pleased she has been able to progress and hope that is indicative of the future. 

Splish splash, Morgan got a bath today!  I love the baby shampoo and lotion smell on a clean baby! She was happier to be clean!  She loves to bathe, most of the time.  I can picture her at in her tub at home with lots of toys and water everywhere!  Lord, help me!

Besides a bath, Morgan has played, watched her Baby Einstein, had tummy time and slept.  Since the recent setback, Morgan has gotten lazy and stiff.  I spent some time working with her muscles and encouraging her.  All of this is very normal given what she has been through. 

Please continue to keep Morgan in your prayers.  Prayers for healing of her lungs, for her development, for her glucose levels, for her overall health and for caregivers. We are so blessed by you, your faithfulness and prayers.  Thanks for loving our daughter, too!

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Chunky Monkey

Tuesday, April 24, 2012  9:00pm

Morgan's day has been uneventful. Overall, there truly is not much to report tonight. Her medical condidtion is essentially the same.  They are monitoring her glucose levels closely. She is doing well with her oxygen and seems to be on the mend from her infection. 

Morgan has played and slept today.  She has been watching her Baby Einstein dvds intently, too. 

We continue to ask for your prayers about Morgan's glucose levels.  Her little body needs to be able to manage this on its own.  I specifically asked if this was a path to diabetes in the future, and the doctor assured me it was not.  He said it was a direct side effect of her medicines.  As the doctor begins to wean this particular medicine, her glucose levels should improve.

Please pray for Morgan's overall lung healing. We want her to continue to get stronger and avoid future setbacks.  She is a little miracle, and we know it.

Morgan weighs 10 poiunds 4 ounces today.  She is a chunky monkey... the cutest one I have ever seen! 

Thanks again for all your love and support!  We appreciate you more than you know!

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Sleeping in Class

Monday, April 23, 2012

A very sincere and heart-felt thanks for the prayers and support of me and my family over the past week!  What a week it has been!  Bet was a true definition of a lady and she will be missed.  Our loss is her gain!  Heaven is a wonderful place!   I know she was overjoyed to see her beloved Pop and Houston ran into her arms! 

Morgan has progressed throughout the week.  Since her hiccup weekend before last, she has slowly gotten better.  She is still recovering, but she is on the right road.  Each day her little lungs get better.  We are thankful that she had several months of lung growth to help her weather this infection and virus. 

Currently, this is Morgan’s medical update.  She is on high flow nasal cannula.  She has tolerated it very well since last Wednesday.  When they put her on the nasal cannula, she went directly to a low liter flow, close to what she was on prior to the ventilator.  The doctor has decided to only wean her liter flow at this time and leave her oxygen concentration requirement at 100%.  If Morgan has to come home on oxygen, we will not be able to adjust oxygen concentration requirement, therefore it makes sense to only worry about the liter flow.  Her liter flow will have to go down before she can come home. 

Her feedings had been suspended due to the ventilator, but she is back on full feeds every three hours.  That girl loves to eat and knew she was not getting fed.  She would smack her lips and cry out for food.  Her pacifier would solve the temporary need to suck, but she would quickly realize there wasn’t any milk coming out of it. 

Morgan’s glucose has been fluctuating for the past few days.  In order to correct it, she is being given insulin when needed.  The elevated glucose levels are believed to be a direct result of one of her iv medications that she was on last week.  That medicine has been changed to an oral medication, so it is believed the glucose levels will begin to stabilize. 

Morgan is often engaged in her surroundings and looks around with her big, brown eyes.  She loves to watch her animal friends on the mobile and the lights on the play mat.  I had a brainstorm to get some Baby Einstein dvds to engage her further.   She seems to like it, especially when the screen changes colors or pictures.  Her eyes grow with excitement as she looks at the screen.  Morgan is learning and I know she is a baby genius!   However, our little prodigy fell asleep in class!  She was watching the dvd one minute and the next she was sound asleep…. That apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

Please continue to pray for Morgan’s lung healing and growth.  We pray against future infections and virus.  Also, please pray that her glucose levels begin to stabilize.  Seth and I also request prayers for her overall development.  Please remember all of her care givers in your prayers, as well!

Many thanks for all the support you give to the McCoin family!

Love,

Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

The Bracelet

Morgan continues to improve-praise God! She is now on the nasal cannula and is slowly gaining her strength back. Elizabeth shared with me that she is returning to her "feisty" self. Morgan is definitely a fighter! Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

The Hassinger family continues to grieve the loss of Mrs. Hassinger's mom (AKA "Bet"). I know the family covets your prayers during this difficult time. Although Elizabeth's grandmother wasn't really aware of Morgan's situation, she wanted Morgan to know about Bet going to be with Jesus. While at the hospital today, Elizabeth gave Morgan a "Pray for Morgan" pink bracelet, which she held onto very tightly. After finally prying it from her tiny fingers, Elizabeth passed it on to her dad, who will put it in Bet's coffin. What a beautiful picture of the passing from this world to Eternity...wanting to hold on to what is dear but knowing what's on the other side is so much better!

Jenny Gammill (Friend of Elizabeth's)

Prayers for Elizabeth

I am asking you all to pray for Elizabeth.  Her grandmother passed away this morning.  She's holding up and staying strong.  Morgan is chipping in and helping her mom by having had a good night last night and doing well so far today.  Thanks to all of you for all your thoughts and prayers.

Hello C-PAP

Tuesday, April 17, 2012  9:15pm
Morgan is on C-PAP!  Yay!  Praise, God!  Let me shout that again, Morgan is on C-PAP! 

Morgan had a very good night and settings on the ventilator were very low.    As a result, when the doctor arrived, he decided to move Morgan to the C-PAP.  Her little lungs have tolerated it well.  She seems to be much more alert and feel much better.   I am sure some of that is due to the medicines working and the other part is due the tube being out of her throat! 

Morgan hates the C-PAP and the prongs in her nose.  Since her last stint on the C-PAP, the respiratory team has gotten new contraptions to hold the prongs in the baby's nose.  Morgan likes this head gear much better.   She seems not to fight the C-PAP as much! The nurses like it better, too, because our little Houdini cannot get the prongs out her nose! 

With this new headgear, Morgan is able to resume some of her activities.  She has spent time in her swing and sitting up in her boppy!  She is mobile again, and I know she is very glad!  She doesn’t stay in one position long! 

We did learn today what the bacteria is that got into Morgan’s lungs.  With this knowledge, the doctor can now treat her with specific antibiotics to treat the infection.  I am sure that will help Morgan feel better more quickly, as well.    We also did another test to try to determine if Morgan has a virus or not.

We thank you for your continued prayers for our family.  Morgan will hopefully continue to improve and move back to the nasal cannula soon.  Please continue to pray for her healing as her little body fights off the infection and virus.

Thanks for everything!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Only One Morgan

Monday, April 16, 2012  8:40pm

Our little Morgan continues to be on the ventilator tonight.  While we prefer her to have that tube out of her throat, we know that she needs the assistance.  Overall, given her condition,  Morgan has had a good day.  Morgan's body has been responding to the help and the doctor has been able to wean Morgan's vent settings.  That is very encouraging. We are hopeful she will continue on this course throughout the night.  They will obviously work at her pace, yet, work to get her off the ventilator as soon as possible.

Seth and I got to meet with Morgan's primary care team today and discuss her condition and plans going forward.  We are very comfortable with the doctor's plan and know he is on top of her condition.   He is very patient, answers our questions, and keeps us informed. 

The doctor is confident Morgan has a virus and an infection.  At this time, we do not know what the virus is nor what the bacteria that caused the infection may be.  We do know that one of the cultures has come back positive, so we can give her more specific antibiotics that can treat the infection.  The virus will have to run its course.  The doctor seems to think the virus is probably the common cold.

This episode reminds all of us how sensitive and reactive Morgan's lungs really are.  Any little virus or infection can cause a major set back.    Morgan lungs continue to grow and heal, yet they are still very fragile. 

As Seth mentioned last night, those who take care of her are remarkable.    Today, there was another cast of nurses, doctors, therapist and administrators visiting her and encouraging her.  This morning, Morgan's weekend news spread like wildfire.  Everyone wants to wish her the best, pray for her and see her back up and at 'em!   While there are, ironically, several Morgan's on the unit, there is ONLY ONE MORGAN.   She goes by her first name, not her last. - Morgan, not baby McCoin.  The entire unit knows her and wants her to do well.  We are blessed with such caring people.

At this time, we pray for Morgan to rest, her lungs to heal, the antibiotics to work and her overall healing.  We pray this set back will not keep her down long and that she will bounce back rather quickly! 

To all of you, thank you for your prayers, love, emails, texts, voice mails and support.  Thank you to each of you have taken a time slot on Morgan's prayer calendar.  We are humbled!

Seth, one more day!  I know you are glad tax day will here tomorrow and tax season 2012 will be in the books!  You made it!  Morgan and I love you and thank you for all you do! 

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Stint on the Vent

Sunday, April 15, 2012  10:10 pm

As Keely's earlier update implied, Morgan has had a hell of a past two days.  Yesterday morning, her fever spiked, she returned to the C-PAP (to no avail), then was treated with Nitric Oxide with the grand finale of being intubated and placed on the ventilator this afternoon.  Whew!  That's a-whole-lot of big things to happen to such a little girl.  To understate all that has happened, this is a setback.

We are not exactly sure what has caused all of this. She has been treated by two different doctors with two different opinions. The doctor that sees Morgan most often will return to the hospital tomorrow and we are eager to hear his stance. During her intubation procedure, there was a collection of cultures that have been sent to the lab to help us figure it all out. As is the case with most cultures, we will not receive those results for three to four days.

As we were with her this evening, she seemed to be resting well.  There is some medicine involved that is allowing her to calm down and be still.  Otherwise, her arms would still be waving like she was standing on a pedestal in an orchestra pit on Broadway.  When she opened her eyes tonight, she would look deeply at me as if to say, "Thank you, I needed this rest."  The medicine and machine are taking over and allowing her, what seems to be, a much needed break.  She has found her eddy and we expect her to begin paddling, again, in time.  We are not sure how long she will need to recover from all of this, nor do we know how far of a setback this truly is.  We are just happy to see her resting peacefully for the moment. 

While I've mentioned medicine, machines and labs, I would be wrong to not mention the nurses who are the genuine assets of UAB's NICU.  There were times over the past two days that required multiple bodies, minds and hands to care for Morgan.  A loving individual was never far.  They lingered nearby in the hallway, waiting for their call to service.  Sitting back and watching them was so special.  Each time one of their hands touched Morgan's skin, they were poking and prodding her little body for the benefit of her health.  However their eyes and facial expressions were so loving that I their hearts were amazingly visible.  At times her room was so full of caring nurses that there was little room to maneuver.  I have told many people that I do not understand how these wonderful individuals are able to do their jobs day in and day out.  It requires a brilliant mind, but also an incredible heart for service.  We are so thankful that they care for our Morgan in every facet.  We are lucky to be where we are and we are grateful for those around us. 

Further, we extend our thanks to all of you.  Thank you for your prayers, calls, texts, etc.  We are surrounded by wonderful people who we could never repay.  Thank you for loving us and our precious little Miracle Morgan.

Seth and Elizabeth McCoin

PS, I don't think Morgan is going to be an accountant...she already hates April 15...

please pray

Morgan has had a rough weekend. Her oxygen dependency increased slowly over the week, then she spiked a really high fever yesterday. She returned to the CPAP machine yesterday, but her lungs did not respond in the way we had hoped, so doctors decided to give her some nitric oxide. That brought her oxygen saturation levels up for a little while, but this morning they decided she needed to return to the ventilator.

Would you please pray for our little girl?

They are assuming it might be a virus (one is circulating the hospital now), but we don't have the labs back.

keely (for Elizabeth and Seth)

The prayer calendar has been updated for the next few days, and it is open to all. If you'd like to join us in praying for Morgan at a specific time, please click below and fill your name in.  Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aj23EXrc1xRvdGUxbHpfMDVRcmcxUHozUnIzaHdGOUE&hl=en_US#gid=0

Happy, Hungry, Fussy, and Not Sleepy!

Friday, April 13, 2012  2:00pm

Happy Friday!  Our little Morgan continues down the same track she has been on for several days now.  She has been happy, hungry, fussy and not sleepy! 

Morgan loves to eat from a bottle!  And, I mean LOVES it!  She cries when the bottle is empty.   Bless her heart; she takes after her parents who do not like to miss a meal!  She is eating from a bottle twice a day now.  At last weigh-in, she weighed 9 pounds 13 ounces. 

Morgan continues to tolerate the oxygen wean that was done on Tuesday.  However, I believe this wean was harder for to tolerate than previous weans. She has fluctuated more on her oxygen this week, even, at times, borderline needing her liters turned back up.  Some of that is due to fussiness and some of that is due to her lungs having to work harder.  As a result, the doctor is not going to wean the medicines for a few days to try to give her lungs a chance to recover and adapt.  If anything, they will give a medicine back to see if helps.  We do not want to change too much too fast and go backwards.  Remember, baby steps.

As you remember Morgan in your prayers, please pray specifically for lungs to adapt to this new oxygen level.  Please also pray for her growth, development, healing, eating, and rest!  Morgan needs a few nights of good, good rest.  Sleep also allows her lungs to grow new tissue. 

I ask for prayers for Seth.  He is in the home stretch of tax season.  Tuesday is in sight!  He is beyond exhausted and running adrenaline.  Seth is working long hours and sleeping few hours. 

Thank you for your love and support for us all!

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Fussy Baby

Wednesday, April 11, 2012  9:15pm
Morgan has a pretty good day.  She did not rest well last night so she has been quite fussy today.  Morgan will take little cat naps.  She tricks her nurses into thinking she is sound asleep but then she pops those big brown eyes wide open and looks around.  I think she thinks it is a game.  As a result of her fussiness, her oxygen has fluctuated today.  When she gets mad, her dependency increases.  When she is calm, her dependency can decrease.  We are prayerful she can get a good night's sleep and rest well tonight.  We need her to relax and adjust to the new oxygen liter level. 

Despite her fussiness, Morgan did eat from the bottle TWICE today!  That is right, twice!  She loves eating and was so happy to have the bottle. 

Please continue to pray for Morgan's lungs, her feedings, her toleration of the new oxygen liter level, her development and her care team.  We are humbled  by your willingness to lift our daughter up in prayer.  We know she is a true miracle from above! 

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Hog Heaven

Tuesday, April 10, 2012  9:15pm
Shhhhhh…. Don’t tell Morgan but the doctor turned her liter flow down today.  While her oxygen requirement is still higher than in weeks past, the doctor wanted to try to encourage Morgan.  If she is not able to keep her saturation levels high enough, then they will have to turn her liters back up and wait another week before weaning again.  So far, she has done well on this new level, so we are prayerful it can continue. 

Morgan’s latest weight is 9 pounds 11 ounces.  Our little chunky monkey continues to grow at an appropriate pace. 

She continues to eat from a bottle.  I got to feed her again today and she did so well.  She ate like a champ and was hungry for more.  So, as a little treat, I gave Morgan a few tastes of squash.  She loved it!  She was grunting for more.  Her eyes lit up in delight!   She managed to get squash everywhere… on her face, hands, outfit and bed!  She didn’t care because she was in hog heaven!  To date, Morgan has had peas, sweet potatoes, and squash.  She has loved each one. 

Please pray for her lung strength as she continues to grow.  She is moving in the right direction and we want her to keep on track.  She is such a big girl and doing so well!  We continue to ask for prayers for her as she continues to learn to eat from a bottle and do so more often.  Pray also for her lung healing and growth, as well as, Morgan’s overall development.  Remember the nurses and doctors who take care of our little princess. 

Thanks for all your support, prayers and love!  We appreciate each one of you!

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Happy, Belated, Easter

Monday, April 09, 2012  8:30pm

Morgan hopes everyone had a wonderful Easter Celebration!  She wanted to wish all a Happy, Belated, Easter.  We had a fun afternoon of picutre taking and watching the Masters together!  Here are two pictures of our family from yesterday afternoon!

According to a therapist, Morgan is still the star patient!  She continues to do well with her physical and speech therapies.  Both therapist are extremely pleased with her progress and are hopeful she will continue to improve.  The physical therapist continues to work with Morgan’s stiffness, range of motion, and overall posture.  The speech therapist works with Morgan on taking the bottle and organizing herself so she can eat and breathe during feedings.  Since last Thursday, Morgan has taken a bottle once a day.  She is very eager to eat and often gets mad when you stop to burb her or when the bottle is empty.  If all goes well, they will begin to give her two bottles a day this week! 

Morgan continues to do very well.  Today, she is a little up on the oxygen requirement, but the doctor is not alarmed.  It is likely that she just needs a little more help for the moment and then she can be weaned back down.  The oxygen fluctuations are not uncommon.  It does not change their care plan for Morgan.  It merely means she is a little more help.  As of now, it is not considered a setback.  I mention it so that you can continue to help us pray for her lung development and their healing.  We want her overall oxygen dependency to go down and her lungs to strengthen. 

Seth and I are thankful for your continued prayers, words of encouragement, and overall support for all three of us!  This certainly is not the joureny we had ever dreamed we would be on, but it is made easier by your love and support!  Thank you. 

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Busy Bee

Thursday, April 05, 2012  7:45pm

Morgan has had a very busy day.  After sleep until 6:30am this morning, she has had a lot going on. 

Since mid-day yesterday, Morgan has been battling an on-again, off-again fever.   She is not showing any symptoms of being sick or feeling bad. Morgan’s blood work is normal.  At this time, the doctor is just chalking it to a side effect of her lung condition.

Physical therapy came to work with Morgan just before lunch.  He muscles were stretched and massaged and the tension was released.  Morgan seemed to enjoy it.  In fact, she almost went to sleep when the PT was working with her.  At one point, Morgan was laying on her side with her arm underneath her.  Her fingers and hand were wrapped around her chin as if she was thinking….. may be daydreaming about a long afternoon nap.

During her afternoon feeding, speech therapy came to give Morgan a bottle.  The ST was very, very pleased and encouraged with Morgan's ability today.  Morgan was very interested in eating and was hungry.  When the bottle was placed to her mouth her eyes would get as big as saucers in anticipation.  While she will have to learn to collect herself better, today was the best day feeding she has ever had.  She didn't have any breathing problems or gaging issues.  Go Morgan! 

Morgan got her t-dap shot today.  This shot is thick and can be painful.  It also has the potential to cause Morgan to feel lousy.  While it is important for her to get this shot, it is a little nerve racking.  She is doing so well, and I do not want the shot to set her back!  Please pray that she will take like a big girl and that it will not cause a set back. 

We continue to be thankful for Morgan's recent progress.  We pray for continued healing of her lungs, against infections or setbacks, for her feedings, her overall health and her caregivers.  Thank you for joining us in these prayers!  

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Early Bird

Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Our little early bird got up early this morning!  Morgan woke up before 6:00am ready to play.  Her sweet nurse decided Morgan needed to stroll around the unit.  Morgan visited with all her friends and learned about her colors, as each hall is a different color.  She was content and happy.  Her nurse said she really enjoyed her early morning stroll!

Otherwise, Morgan is holding her course.  She looks around, swings her arms and kicks her legs.  She often looks like she is conducting an orchestra.  Morgan listens to music throughout the day, so I wonder if she will have a musical talent…. Her parents certainly do not! 

Our prayer requests remain the same as yesterday.  Thank you for your continued love and support! 

Love,

Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Up Early and Ready to Play

Tuesday, April 03, 2012  8:35pm

Morgan's day has been very active.  After sleeping all night, she woke at 6:15am this morning ready to play!  She has been playful and awake most of the day!  While she has taken a few short naps, she is much more interested in what is going on around her. 

Since Saturday, rice cereal has been added to Morgan’s formula.  Over the past few weeks, Morgan was spitting up some of her formula. The thicker formula helps with reflux, aspirations and digestion.  She seems to feel better and the rice cereal is helping!  She has only had one clothes-change-worthy spit up since Saturday. 

Today was a big wean day for Morgan!  Her oxygen dependency was reduced!  As has been the weekly plan, the doctor reduced her liter flow.  So far she seems to be tolerating it!  We pray it will continue!!

Also, the doctor is going to talk to the speech therapist about beginning to prepare Morgan for bottle feeding again.   I am not sure the plan, but I am excited at the possibility of her bottle feeding!  If she can get this under control, it will be a big step towards coming home!  We are prayerful that she will collect herself and remember how to suck and swallow.   We know that if this process moves too quickly, or if she aspirates, then there is great risk it will affect her breathing and oxygen dependency.   We pray that these things will not happen.  It is likely the team will do another swallow study, as she begins this process again, to see how maturity, age, and development have helped her swallowing and to see if she is aspirating.   We will keep you posted on this.  Please pray in advance that she will do well while eating from the bottle and that she will not have respiratory setbacks. 

The doctor is going to look into getting Morgan a hearing test.  While we believe she can hear us, it will be nice to know if there are or are not any issues.  I was glad to hear that this would happen.  To me, checking her hearing is another one of her senses that we can test and know what the exact status may be.  Again, I will keep you posted.  I have no idea when this test will take place.   

Please remember to pray for those taking care of Morgan, too!  They are wonderful, gifted and nurturing people who love our daughter and want to see her get well.  These people also take great care of Seth and me, too. 

As always, thank you for your love, prayers and support! 

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Easter Bunny

Monday, April 2, 2012  8:30pm

Morgan continues to hold the course!  The doctor continues the slow weaning process on her oxygen and various medications.  She has tolerated all of it very well!  Praise the Lord!  In the past, often Morgan would have withdrawals from the medications and they would have to go back up on her dose.  We are thankful she seems to be responding very well to the slow wean process.  She is making great progress! 

Her primary doctor has been off for several weeks.  His partner has been treating Morgan in his absence.  Upon his return today, the team told him he was going to be so impressed with progress the “Star Princess” had made!  He certainly was encouraged!

Yesterday, our Morgan looked like the Easter Bunny!   Morgan was given bunny ears from a cousin.  The nurse and I had a bright idea….  Let’s add whiskers and pink nose!  Our little bunny was SO STINKIN’ CUTE all dressed up!  She looked adorable!  She tolerated us dressing her up, in fact, when we were trying to take her picture, she fell asleep! 

In addition to her lung growth and development, our biggest prayer request is continue on the healthy path she has been on.  We pray her body continues to respond the way it has been over the past few weeks and pray against infections.  The combination of these things has Morgan on a positive track forward and ultimately home! 

Thank you for all you love, prayers, support and emails!  We are thankful for each one of you!

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

No News is Good News

Thursady, March 29, 2012  9:30pm

Morgan has had a very uneventful two days.  I am pleased to say there is nothing new to report.  With the exception of one come-apart, she has been very happy, played, and slept well!  Praise God!  We are prayerful this pattern can continue to for many weeks. We pray against any setbacks or infections.  We pray for healing of her lungs. 

Today, the phyical therapist showed me several ways to give Morgan a message and help relax her muscles and release the tension.  She loved it!  I love working with Morgan and doing anything I can to help her.  I look forward to giving more massages to Morgan and helping her relax! 

Please remember to send Morgan an email.  morgan.mccoin@yahoo.com  She loves to hear about her letters and I know she will cherish them in the future.  Thank you for encouraging, praying and loving her!  She is a miracle and blessed little girl! 

Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

Morgan Sandwich

Tuesday, March 27, 2012 8:15pm

Morgan has been busy today.  When she woke up, she was ready to play.  She moved from activity to activity all morning long.  When she got tired of one activity she would fuss and let her nurse know she wanted to be moved to a new one.  She has been alert and aware all day.  Her sweet nurse even sat on the floor and played with Morgan for a little bit this morning.  This afternoon, Morgan took a stroll around the unit.  Already, she is not letting grass grow under her feet…. Wonder where she gets that from???

We made a Morgan Sandwich today.  Well, she looked a like a lettuce wrap.  No, we didn’t torture her and dress her up.  I arrived today with a green Hugga- Bebe, a support cushion for infants/toddlers to use while in activity centers, jumpers, walkers, high chairs, etc.  This soft, thickly padded cushion provides support and prevents babies from slouching and slumping over.  It also helps develop trunk and neck muscles, while leaving their arms and legs free.  Morgan has an issue with slumping and slouching because is so petite.  We are constantly padding her with blankets to help sit up right.  A nurse tipped me off to this cushion.  It looks like a clam-shell that Morgan sits down in and it holds her up right.  It is snug, so it has to make her feel secure, too.  We put Morgan in her Hugga-Bebe and put in her exersauser.   She was able to reach some of the toys and swat at them.  She held her head up right and looked at all the colors and animals on the exersaucer.  We think she liked it.  I certainly helped her tremendously!  She was so stinking cute and happy!  Seth and I could have just eaten her up! 

Medically, Morgan is holding course.  She is been able to maintain her new oxygen liter level from yesterday.  Yay! The doctor is not planning on making any more changes this week to let her body get fully adjusted to the changes from the last few days.  Baby steps.  We are really hopeful and prayerful that Morgan can maintain it.  I feel like we have made some progress.   Please pray for her continued improvement, lung healing, and overall health.  Please pray against any backward steps.

Many thanks for all your your prayers and support!  We cannot express adequately the our deep appreciation for it all. 

Love,

Elizabeth and Seth McCoin